From: Jared Nuzzolillo <onceuponapriori@...>
Date: 2006-05-29T07:33:36+09:00
Subject: Re: new.ruby-lang.org (was: Re: Proposing: A new Ruby Windows installer)

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W e should definitely include a link to tryruby. That app has equipped me t=
o
convince several of my friends who wouldn't touch ruby with a ten foot pole
(if it meant downloading it) to actually sit down and give it a spin. I eve=
n
managed to get a friend who isn't into programming to try it out.

I also thought I should take a moment to comment on the Greeter code
sample.  I  remember  commenting on the concept when the  redesign was firs=
t
being considered, and I still think a prominent code sample is essential.
But I am reconsidering whether that specific code sample is worthy of being
the very first snippet of ruby code many people will see. When I am
examining a new language, the very first thing I do is try to find sample
code. Oftentimes, that sample code is a "Hello World" program. Some
potential rubyists might mistakenly assume that the sample is an
illustration of how a terse "Hello World" program should be in ruby. Maybe
we can use some other samples, including a standard, terse "Hello World".
Here are two 'sample examples':

#hello world
puts "Hello world"

#add a method to an existing class
class Fixnum
    def double
        self * 2
    end
end

puts 10.double #use the new method

There are other great examples (which may be more appropriate than those I
listed) at Io's sample code page -
http://www.iolanguage.com/about/samplecode/

A great big thanks to all of those who have worked on the new ruby site. It
really is beautiful~

Best,
Jared Nuzzolillo

On 5/28/06, C Erler <erlercw@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> _why's try ruby website (http://tryruby.hobix.com/) is very nice for two
> reasons: it allows anyone to see what the fuss is about without wasting
> time
> installing Ruby (which is a bit off-putting for all of us lazy people) an=
d
> it allows anyone sitting at a computer without Ruby on it to do quick Rub=
y
> things.
>
> On the new ruby-lang website, can you please put a link to it ?  Perhaps
> the
> twenty minute tutorial link can be replaced (since _why's site has a
> built-in tutorial) or this can be added as "Web-based irb for when the
> computer owner is evil and doesn't let you install Ruby" (or some better
> description) or both.
>
>

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